I want to be a cypress tree!

 

Some years ago, when I heard a Bible verse about a cypress tree replacing a thorn, I was so encouraged by it. I thought it was an absolutely amazing picture, that God would put impressive cypress trees where there were once difficult thorns! The entire chapter (Isaiah 55) is utterly amazing and talks about positive change and returning to God: it tells us to call on him and he will have mercy and pardon us; it reminds us that his thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than our ways; it talks of joy and peace and breaking forth into singing! Such encouraging words. 


It also states something remarkable: God’s word will make a difference in us, just as the rain falls from heaven and waters the earth, producing seeds and providing bread for us. What an amazing picture! If we take the time to read the Bible, it will certainly make the exact difference that God intends: and his intentions are always good!


Digging a little deeper, I found out that cypress trees are some of the most beautiful in the world, one website describing them as an architectural feat! They are also evergreen and can grow in difficult circumstances. What a good parallel to have in our lives: in the midst of all the difficulties we face, as we look to God, he will change our character, and make us an encouragement to those around us. Imagine being a spiritual architectural feat in God’s creation!


“Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Isaiah 55:13






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